TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)

CONSULTANCY TO EVALUATE THE COST AND FINANCING OF FOUNDATIONAL LEARNING IN ZAMBIA 

1. BACKGROUND 

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of 93 civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the education sector. The mandate of ZANEC is to conduct research and advocate for the provision of quality and inclusive education for all at the national level through various platforms, including the Local Education Groups (LEG), Africa Network Campaign on Education for All (ANCEFA), and the Global Campaign for Education (GCE). ZANEC has, since its establishment in 2002, been advocating for the provision of quality and inclusive education for all Zambians. ZANEC's scope of work covers various aspects of education, including access to education, quality of teaching and learning, education financing, policy formulation, and implementation monitoring.  

The coalition engages in advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges within the education sector. ZANEC’s work is divided into five different education sub-sectors: The Early Childhood and Development sub-sector, the Basic Education Sub-sector, the Skills and Tertiary Sub-sector, the Youth and Adult Literacy sub-sector and the Gender and Equity sub-sector. ZANEC has the following vision and mission: -  

·      Vision: “A sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment for self-fulfilment” 

·      Mission: “To promote quality and inclusive education for all, through influencing policy, building consensus, holding duty bearers accountable, and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in the education sector” 

As a result, the Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) under PEAT II seeks to commission research that will: 

·      Determine the cost of delivering quality foundational learning in 6 target schools in Kabwe district; and 

·      Assess how current financing and budget allocations support or constrain delivery, with a view to holding the Ministry of Education accountable. 

2. PURPOSE OF THE CONSULTANCY 

The purpose of this consultancy is to generate evidence on the cost, financing, and funding gaps related to foundational learning in 6 schools in Kabwe district, and to provide clear, actionable recommendations to improve accountability, financing, and service delivery. 

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY 

The following are the objectives of the study:

    i.       Estimate the cost of delivering quality foundational learning (ECE and early primary education). 

  ii.       Analyse public financing and budget allocations for foundational learning. 

 iii.       Identify financing gaps, inefficiencies, and equity issues affecting service delivery. 

 iv.       Assess alignment between policy commitments, financing, and implementation. 

   v.       Provide practical, evidence-based recommendations to strengthen financing and accountability. 

4. SCOPE OF WORK: 

The consultant will be required to perform the following tasks: 

    i.       Review relevant education policies, strategies, and budget documents. 

  ii.       Conduct costing and financing analysis of foundational learning. 

 iii.       Analyse budget allocations and expenditure trends related to ECE and lower primary education. 

 iv.       Identify accountability and transparency gaps in financing and implementation. 

   v.       Prepare a clear, policy-oriented report with clear findings and recommendations. 

 vi.       Prepare an advocacy strategy from the research findings 

5. DELIVERABLES: 

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:  

    i.       Inception Note outlining methodology and work plan. 

  ii.       Draft Research Report on Costing and Financing of Foundational Learning. 

 iii.       Final Report and Policy Brief (4–6 pages). 

 iv.       An advocacy strategy 

   v.       PowerPoint Presentation of key findings. 

6. DURATION: 

The consultancy is expected to be completed within 15 working days. 

7. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: 

The consultant should have: 

           i.       Proven experience in education research, education financing, or public expenditure analysis. 

         ii.       Strong skills in data analysis, costing, and report writing. 

        iii.       Familiarity with the Zambian education system and Ministry of Education policies.  

        iv.       Experience working with CSOs, government institutions, and/or donors. 

8. PROPOSAL SUBMISSION: 

All expressions of interest with a detailed budget for the consultancy must be submitted through email to the address below by 17:00hrs on Friday, 6^th February 2026.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition,

Plot 125/90A Mufufuma Road,

Jesmondine

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

CC: za2002nec@yahoo.com